Why should you travel to Sri Lanka with us?

It has eight world heritage sites, deep jungles, golden coasts, and leopard safaris. We can show you all of it.

For over a decade, we’ve been sending clients on immersive, life-changing trips to Sri Lanka: the tear-drop island of tea plantations, thick jungles, golden coasts and UNESCO World Heritage sites. For us, it’s all about managing the details and logistics on your behalf; using our network of local guides and contacts to ensure you see the country through the eyes of the locals, while also experiencing the best of the best hospitality in this ancient land. A morning spent in search of leopards in Yala National Park. An afternoon spent exploring the historic walls of Galle. A night – after a thrilling seaplane connection – spent at the coastal getaway of Cape Weligama. Let’s make this happen – and more.

Key facts

  • Population Population 21,200,000
  • Capital Capital Colombo
  • Language Language Sinhala
  • Currency Currency Sri Lankan Rupee
  • Time Difference Time Difference GMT + 5.30 | ET + 10.30
  • Best time Best time Nov - Apr

Example Itineraries

These are simply suggestions for the kind of holiday you might have. Yours will be tailored, altered, and refined until it matches you completely.
Gili Lankfushi, Maldives

See it All in Sri Lanka and the Maldives: Elephants & Emerald Isles

So you want to indulge in some serious beach downtime but want something a bit more special? This experience combines an idyllic island lagoon in the Maldives with the unique culture, colonial history, and jaw-dropping b...

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Sri Lanka safari

South Sri Lanka: A Luxury Holiday from Tea to Wildlife

From epic palm covered beaches to legendary tea estates, historical fortress towns and spectacular National Parks, Sri Lanka has it all. For a taste of the best that this country has to offer, embark on this seven-night ...

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Galle, Yala & Weligama: A Luxury Family Holiday in Sri Lanka

A verdant, teardrop-shaped island with nothing below it but the cobalt expanse of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is as relaxed as it is exciting. Boasting eye-widening colours, palate-tingling flavours and locals that never...

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: Countryside to Coast

A lush tropical island with nothing below it but the huge expanse of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a hive of energy. Visit fifth-century fortresses, learn how tea is made and explore gorgeous beachfront villages, all wh...

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Sri Lanka

Wilpattu, Sigiriya & Uga Bay: Discover Sri Lanka's Secret Side

On this 10 night trip, you'll discover the hidden side to the exotic island of Sri Lanka as we take you north of Colombo to travel west to east from the wildlife of Wilpattu, through the ancient culture of Sigiriya and o...

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What to see & do in Sri Lanka

As ever, if you can’t see it here then we can still plan it for you.

Sigiriya rock in Sri Lanka

Experience the Sri Lankan culture

Ancient rock formations, pastel pink skies, wild green jungle: beauty comes naturally to Sri Lanka. The South Asian isla...

Ancient rock formations, pastel pink skies, wild green jungle: beauty comes naturally to Sri Lanka. The South Asian island is much more than a pretty face, though. Whether you’re seeking first-world escape in a towering treetop lodge or first-class luxury on a colonial spice estate, we can deliver the very best Sri Lanka has to give. Adventure through the forested landscape with tour guides who’ll take you to within a few paces of elephants and leopards, or wipe your bucket list clean with all eight of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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A SURVEY OF SRI LANKA

A teardrop shaped island off the southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is a country that delivers. Golden beaches, tropical...

A teardrop shaped island off the southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is a country that delivers. Golden beaches, tropical jungles, and high mountains may be the atmosphere, but the elephants, temples, leopards, and tea plantations define its attraction. We can’t stay away from the rice and curry, the riveting diving spots, and the elegant hotels, so you’re in good hands when Black Tomato is curating the ultimate tailor-made itinerary. Prepare for ancient ruins, stunning hikes, forts, and fortresses.

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Leopard in Yala National Park

FEELING WILD IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

A paradise for wildlife lovers, Sri Lanka is easily the best place in Asia for experiencing a variety of animals in a va...

A paradise for wildlife lovers, Sri Lanka is easily the best place in Asia for experiencing a variety of animals in a variety of different landscapes. Yala National Park is famous for its leopard population, while Udawalawe is popular for elephant encounters. Others are known for their bird species and another for the elusive sloth bear, but all of them make for a memorable experience in Sri Lanka.

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Willpattu National Park

If it’s an escape from the crowded cities you want, head north for the less-worn paths of Willpattu National Park. Wit...

If it’s an escape from the crowded cities you want, head north for the less-worn paths of Willpattu National Park. With the help of a knowledgeable personal guide, amble through the secluded site famous for its regal Asian elephants. We’ll do our best to help you spot the adorable sloth bears, leopards, and barking deer, too. The untouched forests and plains of Willpattu are an enchanting place, and its many stories are best heard sitting around an evening campfire with the locals.

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Uga Bay in Sri Lanka

Paradise in Uga Bay

Unwind in Uga Bay, perched on the north-east portion of the island. We’ll make reservations for you to get pampered to...

Unwind in Uga Bay, perched on the north-east portion of the island. We’ll make reservations for you to get pampered to perfection in the sea-view spa overlooking the simply stunning Bay of Bengal. Afterward, indulge in beachside barbecues to the sound of native wild birds and crashing waves as the sun drops into the ocean. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family and friends or on a honeymoon with your SO, this is bliss.

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Fort Bazaar hotel, Galle

The Fort Bazaar, Galle

Perfectly positioned in the centre of the historic Galle Fort, The Fort Bazaar Hotel boasts a unique style unlike its ty...

Perfectly positioned in the centre of the historic Galle Fort, The Fort Bazaar Hotel boasts a unique style unlike its typically colonial contemporaries. Once owned by a wealthy spice merchant, the décor pays homage to the Middle East with its glowing lanterns, handmade tiles, and vintage patterned furnishings. Rooms here are private and luxurious, while the delicious Moroccan cuisine includes moreish mezze and an unreal lamb tagine.

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Leopard Trails, Willpattu National Park

Immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan wildlife at Leopard Trails, located in the 130,000-hectare Willpattu National Park. Y...

Immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan wildlife at Leopard Trails, located in the 130,000-hectare Willpattu National Park. You’re perfectly positioned to witness (safely) the rare beasts that roam nearby and a typical day will end eating under the stars by campfire, before retiring to the cosy confines of a tent that will challenge the comforts of hom

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The Wallawwa in Sri Lanka

The Wallawwa, Kotugoda

A serene oasis away from the chaos and bustle of Colombo, The Wallawwa is well equipped to cater to the A-list. Chill ou...

A serene oasis away from the chaos and bustle of Colombo, The Wallawwa is well equipped to cater to the A-list. Chill out in the Z Spa or soak up the scents of the native plants through the beautiful three-acre site. Stretch out and unwind on your oversized bed, and feast on unforgettable Asian fusion dishes, with many of the spices and ingredients sourced from the hotel grounds.

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Blink luxury camping

Get a taste of wild tranquillity and spend an exclusive evening at Udawalawa National Park to enjoy the peaceful sound o...

Get a taste of wild tranquillity and spend an exclusive evening at Udawalawa National Park to enjoy the peaceful sound of local wildlife sending you to sleep. With Blink, you can live in complete luxury away from it all with specialised catering just for you. Take a private Jeep tour at the crack of dawn, watching out for water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, and much more.

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Sigiraya ancient rock in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya by hot air balloon

As dramatic natural landmarks go, the towering fifth-century abandoned fortress of Sigiriya is up there. Flanked by seas...

As dramatic natural landmarks go, the towering fifth-century abandoned fortress of Sigiriya is up there. Flanked by seas of vibrant greenery, Sigiriya also offers spectacular views for those brave enough to climb its rather delicate staircases built into the 200-metre-tall granite rock at the centre. However, we recommend you appreciate its wonder from the air. We’ll arrange a hot air balloon ride so you can take lunch while you take in the views or Lion Rock and beyond.

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Tea fields in Sri Lanka

A tour of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage

Set against steep, slanting hills, the train ride into the heart of Tea Country is an experience in itself. Map the jour...

Set against steep, slanting hills, the train ride into the heart of Tea Country is an experience in itself. Map the journey from field to cup with a unique tour. Led by a local guide, experience the real story of the region’s freshest offering. For the evening, we can organise boutique accommodation nearby and your own personal chef who will create a menu based around you.

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Galle Fort in Sri Lanka

Private romance at Galle Fort

Get swept up in the beauty of Galle Fort, built in 1588, with looming palm trees parading the perimeter and the distant ...

Get swept up in the beauty of Galle Fort, built in 1588, with looming palm trees parading the perimeter and the distant sound of the shore crashing into the grass-clad city walls. If you like, you could even indulge in a romantic, candle-lit dinner for two within the fort – exclusively catered for with gentle live music – giving you an unforgettable experience whether you’re honeymooning or celebrating your 40th wedding anniversary.

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Clients love taking the old-style train into the rolling, tobacco-coloured tea plantations of Kandy, where we can set you up at a boutique planter’s bungalow for the night. The scent is unforgettable.

Sunil Metcalfe, Sri Lanka Travel Expert

Top Locations in Sri Lanka

If we were asked to choose our top three places in Sri Lanka, we’d go for these.
Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle

Amble the historic streets of Sri Lanka’s first colonial city.

Located on the island’s southernmost coast, Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest city is both modern and ancient; with its Old Dutch Quarter focused on a beautifully-preserved Fort, a colonial townscape, and time-warped landscapes. Atmospheric and bizarre, it’s a fantastic way to step back into the 17th and 18th century in this bejewelled corner of the world.

Explore Sri Lanka's Sigiriya rock

The cultural triangle

Explore this otherworldly landscape of great, ruined cities.

Once known as the King’s Zone, or Rajarata, the Cultural Triangle extends across the scrub-thick, moody uplands beyond Kandy; where jungle and outcrops of mountain dominate the landscape. Within this land can be found some of Sri Lanka’s greatest treasures, including the ruined capital of Anuradhapura (dating back to the 3rd century BCE) to the iconic ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya above.

Tea plantations in Sri Lanka

The tea plantations

Drink in the romance and atmosphere of these luscious landscapes.

These lush, bountiful lands are one of the world’s heartlands for growing tea. Remote, rural and staggeringly beautiful, treks to areas such as Adam’s Peak – which pierces the clouds and mist – is a perfect way to drink in the panoramas of this incredible region, from the Ella Gap to its tiny, easygoing villages. We can get you there on a colonial-era British train.

Best Hotels in Sri Lanka

Nothing but the best. Browse the hotels that can feature in your bespoke Sri Lanka itinerary.
Sri Lanka luxury holiday
Amangalla
Amanwella
Wallawwa
Vil Uyana
Camellia Hills
Last House
Water Garden
Koslanda
Santani
Wild Coast
Wilpattu
Leopard Trails
pool image
Sri Lanka holidays
Sri Lanka
Jetwing Blue
bedroom at Ulagalla
Kahanda Kanda
Aditya

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What the Press Say

Voted the world’s third best specialist tour operator in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards

Voted as one of the top 10 best tour operators in the World’s Best Awards 2023 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards

“The hottest company in luxury travel takes transformative trips to the next level”

Forbes

“Black Tomato are one of the coolest things in the world. Don’t even try and live without them”

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“Black Tomato, the people who bring you the coolest vacations you’ve ever heard of”

UrbanDaddy

“Black Tomato is a super innovative company where the sky is the limit for their clients”

The Huffington Post

“Black Tomato prides itself on meeting customers every minor need or desires”

The Daily Telegraph

“Many companies brag about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with Black Tomato it’s not hyperbole”

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Can't find it? Don't worry. Just because it's not here, doesn't mean we can't do it.
Call us on +44 207 426 9888 or +1 646 558 3644 or tell us what you're looking for here.
We'll make it happen.